Though none of us like to think we are ignorant, we need to realize being ignorant simply means we do not know. At the same time, most would say they aspire to being blissful, which means we are full of or abounding in joy.
To say we are “blissfully ignorant” means we find joy in not knowing.
To think we could be “blissfully ignorant” may be uncomfortable for us to consider. But we can see it on display all around us as people align themselves with others without knowing what they believe in or stand for.
As with everything in life, history gives evidence of people being manipulated while being” blissfully ignorant”. From original sin in the Garden to recent atrocities in our world, we see people making decisions based on ignorance as they submit to accepting an array of issues without question, consideration, or reservation.
This same method of manipulation used previously is still in use today as people are being told they are bad because of the color of their skin, or their life’s achievements are undeserved or unwarranted because someone else is unable to succeed or achieve at the same level.
In each situation, ignorance is seen as people agree with the assertion, they themselves are the problem. The irony is, many times these assertions are given into because of a desire to live a blissful life. This desire seems to coincide very well with ignorance.
At the same time, playing on these sensibilities is a method that is tried and true. One tactic that continues to be used is the idea, if you are not for me, you are against me.
What can we do about this? How can we overcome our willingness to be “blissfully ignorant”?
It starts with learning and applying what we have learned to our life. To be able to do so, we must do our own research and surmise whether we agree with the causes we are told we must support.
We also need to realize while, we are responsible for our present and accountable for our past. We are not responsible or accountable for someone else’s present or past.
Unfortunately, if we do not come to this understanding soon, we may be responsible for a future that repeats the mistakes of the past.
The cost of being “blissfully ignorant” has always led to anything but bliss. In fact, the insidious nature of those preying on people with this mindset is seen in the price being paid, which is always far more than anyone could have ever imagined.
The desire to be blissful and experience all the goodness life has to offer is reasonable. But being ignorant about it is never the right choice!
1 Peter 5:7-8, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour".
